Autumn is in full swing! Colorful leaves, crisp air and best of all the holidays are coming! This pumpkin cake has always been a family favorite for autumn. It is a delicious cake to bring to a family dinner, or a Halloween party. I love to make it just for me to have as an afternoon snack on the deck with a big mug of coffee made with gingerbread flavored cream. For the coffee cream recipe see my post: Gingerbread Flavored Coffee Cream

I saw something really awesome today, for Halloween. Actually it would be awesome any time, but it is especially fun around Halloween time. Shrunken head apple cider! Imagine walking over to a lovely punch bowl to get some cider, looking down and seeing a little shriveled human head floating around in it! How ghoulish is that and how perfect for any Halloween get together! It will freak out your guests and make them scream with delight. It looks so cool and it's easy to do, let me show you how!

Autumn has delicious flavors.....nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves. Cooking with these make the whole house smell deliciously fall-like. One of my favorite flavors this time of year is pumpkin spice. It incorporates all my favorite flavors in one delicious taste. You can do so much with it! Many people think that it is strictly for pumpkin pie, or pumpkin cheesecake, but I am here to tell you there is so much more!

First let's make the pumpkin spice from scratch, because it tastes so much better when made with fresh, organic ingredients.